Thousands of trees will be replanted along the A14, after an MP branded the state of the road as a “real mess”. In 2021, a council report revealed that nearly one million trees had died after being planted as part of upgrade works on the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon.

National Highways admitted a “high failure rate” in 2023, and said it planned to replant 160,000 new trees by March 2024. During a debate in parliament on March 26, 2026, MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty slammed the road as a “real mess”.

He added: “The land has simply not been maintained after the environmental land-management schemes were put in place, so it is reassuring to hear that the trees will be replaced.” Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, also said it was an “absolute scandal” that around “90% of trees died at that particular scheme”.

National Highways has once again admitted it has “not been good enough”, and that it has plans to replant 50,000 trees. A spokesperson said: “The A14 scheme delivered major economic, safety and environmental benefits, but we recognise that our performance on tree planting has not been good enough.

“After identifying losses caused by several factors, including rootstock selection, weather conditions, soil nutrient levels and aftercare, we have launched a 50,000 tree trial to test new measures and inform our future planting regime for all our schemes.”

In January of this year, CambridgeshireLive submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request to National Highways about the trees. The FOI asked how many trees had been replanted along the A14 to replace the dead trees, as well as to provide a map of the replanted trees.

It also asked National Highways to provide the cost of the replanting to date. The FOI response confirmed that 165,000 trees were initially replanted to replace the dead trees.

However, National Highways couldn’t provide a map of the replanted trees or the cost of replanting as it “didn’t hold this information”. The FOI response added that the cost of replanting couldn’t be provided as it couldn’t be separated from other landscaping and maintenance costs.

The crash, which took place on Saturday (March 28), involved a police car

A police officer has been injured in a crash. Cambridgeshire Police were called to a two-vehicle crash in Princes Street, near Huntingdon bus station, just after 9am on Saturday (March 28).

The crash involved a police vehicle. A police officer suffered minor injuries in the crash.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.12am on 28 March to a two-vehicle collision in Princes Street near the bus station, which involved a police vehicle. The officer received minor injuries, no one else was injured.”

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The diverse establishment is run by four generations of farmers and originally ran as a dairy farm

The school holidays can often be expensive for families and parents spend their time trying to work out ways to keep their children busy, while keeping the costs to a minimum. Thankfully, Cambridgeshire offers a range of activities to bring a big smile to your little one’s face.

One particular village, however, located approximately five miles north-east of Huntingdon, is home to a lovely place featuring a zoo, farm shop, and even a tea room. It is the ideal treat for those who have a passion and love for animals.

Johnsons of Old Hurst lists African lions, crocodiles, and sloth bears among its 100 animals to admire. Visitors can roam around exploring these animals, or even better, they can get up close with some of the animals.

The incredible place is run by four generations of farmers. Originally running as a dairy farm, Johnsons legacy has grown over the years to become this diverse establishment that many people know and love.

Johnsons also has a charming tea room where visitors can start their day with a yummy breakfast or enjoy a nice lunch from their wide selection. Some items include cream teas, homemade burgers, all-day brunch, and a selection of sandwiches and baguettes.

For those who are feeling extra peckish, this diverse establishment also hosts a steakhouse serving food using all locally sourced produce, including farm-fresh meat. Their main menu offers a range of options including ‘Johnsons Premium Steaks’, burgers, and country classics.

After enjoying a meal surrounded by your loved ones, take a wander through their farm shop to discover fresh fruits and vegetables, gifts, a butchery, and children’s toys.

Zoo ticket prices for general admission are £6.50 per adult, £5.50 per child, or free for ages three and under. Nowadays, this is quite an affordable price.

Johnsons of Old Hurst has recently updated their Easter opening times. All facilities including the farm shop, tea room, steakhouse, and zoo will be open on Good Friday and Saturday, April 4 for selected times. On Easter Sunday, the farm shop will be closed but other facilities will remain open for selected times.

Huntingdon residents share their views on the high street, calling for more variety on shops, better transport links to Cambridge, and solutions to traffic restrictions

Readers of Cambridgeshire Live have been expressing their opinions on Huntingdon’s high street. Many believe the selection of shops is insufficient.

Others highlight issues with transport links, traffic, and the pull of online shopping. The following views are taken from a recent comments thread.

Residents feel that the high street in this Cambridgeshire town could “use a little more love”, as some perceive it to be “lacking” in terms of shop variety. Huntingdon is praised by people who live there as being “safe” and a nice place to raise a family.

Like many others nationwide, some individuals believe the high street could benefit from improvements. Sarah Gosling, who feels the town has a “nice family feel”, expressed that it would be “nice to have non-charity shops”.

She further commented: “It’s great to have them [charity shops], but we have a lot of them and it would be nice to have a lot of other stuff. Some of the restaurants are nice, but it would be good to have some more clothes shops.”

Sarah’s mother, Anne Monkman, also felt it would be “good to have more variety of shops.”

Barry Graves said the high street could “use a little more love”. He said: “We have a few down the street that are boarded up or empty. It makes it look sad. It feels like it could be a good opportunity to bring in a few different shops. Maybe some independent places, and then we could support local businesses.”

Some readers believe the retail mix has been inadequate for years. One commenter, Calumen Nomen comments: “Traffic restrictions = closed shops. Not difficult.”

While Welshknight believes: “There’s not enough people in Huntingdon willing to pay the premium in money or effort compared with online shopping. They want shops sitting waiting for them to browse for free and then buy online, not sustainable.”

Rootintootinredux says: “Frankly, the choice of shops in Huntingdon has always been woeful even before the era of online shopping. But hey unless you want women’s clothing, charity shops, vape supplies, dodgy fried chicken and shoes then Huntingdon has you covered I guess!”

Over on our Facebook page, Deniz O writes: “It needs a proper link to Cambridge. Crazy that it’s easier to go to London.”

Kerry-Jane Rose feels: “St Neots is worse for shops.”

In the comments section below, let us know what you believe Huntingdon High Street needs.

One person said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops” in the high street

Locals say a Cambridgeshire town’s high street could “use a little more love”, as some feel it is “lacking” a variety of shops. Huntingdon is praised by those who live there as being a “safe” place and a “nice” place to bring up a family.

Like many others across the country, some people feel the high street could be improved. Sarah Gosling, who thinks the town has a “nice family feel” to it, said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops”.

She added: “It’s great to have them [charity shops], but we have a lot of them and it would be nice to have a lot of other stuff. Some of the restaurants are nice, but it would be good to have some more clothes shops.” Sarah’s mum Anne Monkman also thought it would be “good to have more variety of shops.”

Barry Graves said the high street could “use a little more love”. He said: “We have a few down the street that are boarded up or empty. It makes it look sad. It feels like it could be a good opportunity to bring in a few different shops. Maybe some independent places, and then we could support local businesses.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is “lacking” shops. “There’s a running joke that you go into Huntingdon for a vape or haircut,” she said.

She added: “There is also nothing for younger people to do. They are just going around destroying things because they have nothing to do. It could be a lot better.”

Her friend, who also asked not to be named, said that she is moving away from the area. She said: “We just want a change of scenery. There is too much smoking and drugs, we want a quieter life.”

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said the town centre has become “rundown”. He said: “It’s not what it used to be like. It feels like it’s losing its heart. Especially down the high street. It feels like stuff is starting to disappear and it’s sad to see.”

Linda Hamilton doesn’t like the potential developments that could be built around Huntingdon. She said: “I have no idea what stage they are at or what is happening with them, but it’s going to affect all of the traffic in town. There is enough as it is.”

We’ve found some of the cheapest places to top up your tank in the county

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, there have been growing concerns that fuel prices in the UK may surge. To save some pennies, people will look for the cheapest place to try and get petrol or diesel for their car.

At the moment, the average price in the UK for unleaded petrol is 135.96p. For diesel, according to RAC Fuel Watch, it is 147.33p.

Throughout different areas in Cambridgeshire, there will be different prices at different places. We have compiled a list of the cheapest places to buy petrol and diesel in Cambridge, Peterborough, Ely, Huntingdon, and St Neots.

These are the latest figures according to Petrol Prices.

Cambridge

Petrol

1. Esso in London Road (Magpie Garage Murketts of Stapleford) – 138.9p

2. BP in Elizabeth Way – 139.9

3. Esso in Histon Road (MFG City) – 139.9p

4. Sainsbury’s in Coldhams Lane – 139.9p

5. BP in Huntingdon Road, Cambridge – 139.9p

Diesel

1. Esso in London Road (Magpie Garage Murketts of Stapleford) – 146.9p

2. Tesco in Milton -148.9p

3. Tesco at Fulbourn Automat – 148.9p

4. Sainsbury’s in Coldhams Lane – 149.9p

5. Gulf in Station Road at Histon Service Station

Peterborough

Petrol

1. Jet in Lincoln Road (Werrington Service Station) – 131.9P

2. Welcome Break in Peterborough at Kates Cabin Service Station – 132.8P

3. Esso in Padholme Road – 132.9p

4. Morrisons in Peterborough – 132.9p

5. Tesco in Werrington – 132.9p

Diesel

1. Welcome Break in Peterborough at Kates Cabin Service Station -140.8p

2. Tesco in Werrington – 142.9p

3. BP in St Johns Street at Boongate Service Station – 143.9p

4. Morrisons in Peterborough – 143.9p

5. Jet on Lincoln Road – 143.9p

Ely

Petrol

1. Ely Service Station (Low Prices Always Ely) – 130.7p

2. Tesco in Angel Drove – 132.9p

3. Sainsbury’s Ely Automat – 133.9p

4. BP at The Shade in Soham – 137.9p

5. BP in Wisbech Road – 137.9p

Diesel

1. Sainsburys Ely Automat – 144.9p

2. Tesco in Angel Drove – 145.9p

3. Ely Service Station (Low Prices Always Ely) – 146.7p

4. BP in Wisbech Road – 148.9p

5. Essar in Cambridge Road, Ely – 149.9p

Huntingdon

Petrol

1. Tesco Huntingdon Extra in Abbots Ripton Road – 137.9p

2. Texaco at Hemmingford Service Station – 137.9p

3. Shell in Ramsey Road (Shell St Ives) – 137.9p

4. Sainsburys in St Germain Street – 138.9p

5. BP on the A141 – 139.9P

Diesel

1. Tesco Huntingdon Extra in Abbots Ripton Road – 147.9p

2. Sainsburys in St Germain Street – 148.9p

3. Shell in Ramsey Road – 148.9p

4. BP on the A141 – 149.9p

5. Texaco at Hemmingford Service Station – 149.9p

St Neots

Petrol

1. Tesco in Barford Road – 130.9p

2. Esso at St Neots Service Station – 133.9p

3. Shell in Cambridge Street – 133.9p

4. BP in Great North Road – 134.9p

5. Welcome Break Bedford – 136.8p

Diesel

1. Tesco in Barford Road – 143.9p

2. Welcome Break Bedford – 144.8p

3. Esso at St Neots Service Station – 146.9p

4. BP in Great North Road – 146.9p

5. Shell in Cambridge Street – 153.9p

Prices correct at the time of publication.

The school previously said investigations into Pepys uncovered “actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women”

A new house name has been chosen at the Cambridgeshire school where students previously voted to drop the name of Samuel Pepys. Students at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon were asked to vote on whether to choose a new name for Samuel Pepys House.

The majority of students voted in favour of finding a new namesake for the house. It came after the school informed parents that investigations into Pepys uncovered “actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women”.

Staff and students at the school, which is part of CAM Academy Trust, have chosen Olivia Bernard Sparrow to replace Pepys as the figurehead for one of the school’s pastoral houses. Sparrow was a local philanthropist committed to improving education.

Sparrow (1775 to 1863) was committed to improving education, investing her own resources into village schools and widening access to learning. Her philanthropic work reached across the Hinchingbrooke estate and surrounding areas, including Brampton, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, and Buckden.

The school council chose three local figures for the school’s vote. The shortlist also included Mary Stuart and former headteacher at Huntingdon Grammar School, John Wakelin.

The school said both were key figures in transforming Hinchingbrooke from a small grammar school to the largest comprehensive school in Cambridgeshire, as it is today. It said “local connection was key”, meaning the candidates needed to have a link to the school, Huntingdon Grammar School, or the Hinchingbrooke House site.

Andy Hunter, Principal of Hinchingbrooke School, said: “Olivia Bernard Sparrow was a remarkable and influential figure in Huntingdonshire’s history and the school community has enjoyed finding out more about her important work. Her belief in education as a force for opportunity and fairness, combined with her strong local ties, makes her an inspiring and relevant figurehead for our students today and we are very pleased to be naming one of our houses after her.

“Throughout this process, what has stood out most to me as Principal has been the level of thoughtful discussion and genuine engagement from the students in this matter. They have approached the responsibility of choosing a new figurehead with maturity, curiosity and respect and it has been wonderful to see them debating ideas, weighing up the criteria and taking ownership of the final decision.

“I have been incredibly proud of the real sense of student agency I have witnessed across the school. I would also like to thank all parents and carers for their support throughout this process. Their encouragement has helped our students take pride in their school community and engage meaningfully in decisions that shape it.”

This pub has built a strong reputation for glowing reviews

Cambridgeshire residents and visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to places to dine. From affordable places, to ones where you go when you’re looking to celebrate with a special treat. You name it, this county has it.

Hidden away in the lovely countryside of Cambridgeshire is Ellington, home to an enchanting country pub. The Mermaid, located on the high street, has received some glowing reviews. The hidden gem is definitely worthy of a place on your must-visit list.

The pub is known for its roaring fires, high-quality food, and old ship timbers. The interior offers a cosy style that gives off the aesthetic of a dining room that you would find in a home.

Chris and Kay currently run the rustic inn. They bought it again, having previously owned it before, and it underwent renovations to the interior.

This 14th-century village eatery offers a variety of classic home-cooked pub grub. This includes the chef’s seafood pie, the classic gammon steak, or even beef lasagne.

Vegetarians will find a delightful array of choices to satisfy their palates. From vegetarian wellington to a moussaka, this place caters to every need.

The Mermaid has built a strong reputation among diners and earned an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars from more than 600 reviews on Tripadvisor.

One happy diner captioned their experience on Tripadvisor as “A place NOT to be missed”. They wrote: “What a gem of a traditional pub.”

They added: “A lovely log fire, warm atmosphere and a decent menu variety to choose from that is not limited to burgers, pizzas and fish and chips that you can anywhere.”

Another diner dubbed the restaurant a “super pub”. Another wrote: “Amazing restaurant. Very welcoming and friendly. The décor is gorgeous. The service was excellent and the food was absolutely delicious. A great selection on the menu and the specials board. Good selection of wines too. We had a brilliant evening.”

Guests can also extend their visit to a night away. The Mermaid Inn offers single and double bed rooms combining vintage charm with modern contemporary décor. A single bedroom costs £75 and a double room costs £85. It is an exceptionally good value, especially considering today’s market.

Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, died this week after suffering from ALS

A woman whose brother and husband died of Motor Neurone Disease like Eric Dane has revealed the unusual first “secret signs” they had the “cruel and devastating” incurable condition. Carol Deytrikh-White, 65, lost her husband Alex and brother Brian to MND in March 2009 and 2022, respectively.

American actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away on Thursday after suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of MND. Alex’s first symptom was that he noticed running was getting harder, despite going three times a week.

For Brian, his first sign was that he was losing his voice towards the end of each day. MND is a life-shortening and incurable condition that causes weakening of the muscles until a person becomes unable to move, breathe or speak.

Carol, a retired nurse practitioner from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, became a carer to her late husband Alex in the months before he passed. She now devotes her time to raising awareness and fundraising for the condition, which she described as “cruel and devastating”.

Carol said: “We’re all aware that MND is one condition you don’t want to get – it’s so cruel. I think I knew that Alex had MND before he did – but the diagnosis was a completely devastating, heart-dropping kick in the stomach.

“It affects the whole family and, for the majority of people who develop MND, it doesn’t offer any hope. But awareness has a two-fold benefit – fundraising for treatments, but also so that the people around you can have more empathy for those affected. There’s a human tendency not to deal with or talk about things that feel uncomfortable.”

Alex was physically active, and he and Carol would regularly play squash and run together. But before he was diagnosed, Carol says Alex, who was an officer in the RAF, noticed his running was getting harder despite running three times a week.

He got a weakness in his left arm and, after failing his RAF medical, consultants started to run tests. It was first thought he might have a trapped nerve, but he was diagnosed shortly after, which Carol described as “devastating”.

After his diagnosis, as Alex’s condition deteriorated, he was less able to walk, talk, breathe and sleep. She eventually reduced her hours at work to just a handful a week, in order to care for Alex.

She said: “With Alex’s journey, the rate of progression was quick. He died within two years of the diagnosis.

“In the last two weeks I had to attend to Alex every half an hour because he was unable to swallow even saliva. I was attending to him all day, but I was also getting up throughout the night for his feeds and ventilation.

“I couldn’t go out, not even to the shops. But all I wanted was to be with him, I didn’t see it as a sacrifice. It was a privilege.”

After Alex passed away, Carol felt like she was “thumped in the stomach” when her brother, Brian, was diagnosed with MND a few years later. Brian – who was living in Thailand at the time of his diagnosis – emailed his sister to say he was losing his voice at the end of each day.

He had sent letters and tests back to Carol and the diagnosis was confirmed on a trip back to the UK. Brian returned to Thailand, with Carol flying over to help with equipment and support before his death in 2022 at the age of 57.

Carol said: “Hearing Brian’s diagnosis years after losing Alex, because MND is still relatively rare, and they didn’t have a genetic relation, it was unbelievable as well as devastating. Brian spent the last three of four years ‘locked in’ in his bed. He couldn’t move or eat.”

Carol has since remarried and spends a lot of her time fundraising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association with her husband, John White, 69. Alex had already raised a lot of money for the association and Carol wanted to continue his work and keep his memory “very much alive and celebrate his life”.

They are walking along the entire coast of the UK, which is around 11,000 miles in total, and around 8,000 miles to walk because of the layout of the paths, she said. They have been completing it bit by bit for the past ten years, alongside juggling seeing their seven children combined, plus 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

At their current rate, they anticipate finishing in four years’ time. The challenge has raised £5,500 for the MND Association so far.

She said: “For other conditions, there is an element of hope, but at the moment, for MND, it’s not there. And hope is the last human instinct to go – I almost didn’t believe Alex was dying on the night that he died.

“But when you do watch someone you love die, you realise how lucky you are to have that day and the next. In my lifetime I want to keep fundraising and I want to see hope given for others diagnosed. I realise we’re privileged to have life and it’s our duty to make the most of it.”

Councillors have supported plans for “significant investment” in Huntingdon’s leisure facilities, including building new pools, padel courts, and an artificial pitch.

Councillors have backed plans to build new swimming pools and fitness facilities at the leisure centre in Huntingdon. Proposals to ‘significantly invest’ in the facilities were described as being of “great benefit” to Huntingdonshire.

Huntingdonshire District Council submitted plans to extend and refurbish One Leisure Huntingdon, including building a new 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, with a spectator seating area and a 13-metre learner pool.

New fitness suites are also planned, with a tennis court set to be replaced with a padel court, and a new full size artificial football pitch to be built.

Planning documents said the age and range of existing pool facilities meant the leisure centre is “not fulfilling its potential”. The plans added that refurbishing the existing pools to bring them up to the necessary standards is not considered commercially viable.

The new pools and fitness facilities are proposed to be built through a new two-storey extension to the ‘dry’ side leisure centre. The existing ‘wet’ side, where the pools are currently based, is proposed to be refurbished and used for non-pool related activities.

Duncan Mason, agent representing the district council, told councillors at a meeting on Monday (February 16) that the application represented a “significant investment in Huntingdon’s health, wellbeing and community sports provision”.

He said: “The proposals are a direct response to clear strategic priorities and evidenced community need. Huntingdon currently faces a measurable shortage of swimming facilities, indoor fitness provision, and accessible racket facilities, this scheme addresses these gaps.

“It also brings the wet-side and dry-side into a single coordinated hub, delivering necessary operational efficiencies and improving the user experience to far better align with customer modern day expectations.”

Mr Mason said the redevelopment would offer leisure facilities “of a quality that the people of Huntingdon deserve”. Support for the project was shared by Huntingdon Town Council and Sports England.

Concerns were raised by Anglian Water, which objected due to the Huntingdon (Godmanchester) Water Recycling Centre having “insufficient capacity to accept additional flows from the development”.

Planning officers at the district council pointed out that this would be a replacement facility, not an entirely new development. They also said the day-to-day foul flows would be slightly lower than at present, with higher rates expected when gala and event days take place.

Officers said on balance they recommended the application should be approved, due to the “substantial public benefits” outweighing the potential harms.

New facilities will be a ‘great benefit to Huntingdonshire’

Councillor Jon Neish said the committee had to “look quite carefully” at the plans, as they had been put forward by the district council. He said the concerns about foul water were “a bit of an issue”, but highlighted that the advice provided to them was that the new facility would offer an improvement.

Cllr Neish said: “I think overall it is a really good scheme that will really benefit Huntingdonshire. [The leisure centre] covers a massive area, a lot of people go there, not just from a swimming perspective, but for the other health benefits.”

Councillor Eric Butler said he thought it was a “good scheme” and said he would support it, but said he had some concerns about only creating an extra 10 parking spaces. He said: “Huntingdon itself is under quite a lot of growth at the moment and even more is coming.

“The parking provision, it bothers me a little bit, if you are looking to have higher turnover of users I do not think 10 extra spaces will be enough, I think you need more provision for that.”

Councillor Kevin Gulson said he shared this concern, but suggested there could be ways to encourage people who live nearby to walk or cycle to the leisure centre, rather than driving. He said he believed the plans for the new facilities would be a “great benefit to the town and Huntingdonshire”.

Councillors ultimately agreed unanimously to approve the application.

For more planning notices in your area visit publicnoticeportal.uk .